Hft is the highest-ranked charity in a government league table celebrating work with apprentices.
Hft, which supports adults with learning disabilities and is one of the 100 largest charities in the country, is 11th in the table. It has been training apprentices under the government levy scheme since 2017.
The league table lists dozens of private and public sector employers, as well as other charities and social enterprises including The You Trust, the RSA, and the Co-op.
This is the first time the government has released a league table, which it says will encourage more employers from all sectors of the economy to train apprentices.
Training hundreds of apprentices
Hft says it is currently training around 600 apprentices, which represents one in five of its workforce.
The charity’s apprentices are mainly learning skills in social care and management, as well as in administration, IT and accountancy, the charity said.
The organisation was recognised as a centre of excellence last year for the quality of its training schemes by Skills for Care, which works with government and charities to train and support social care staff.
Sue Hill, Hft’s head of organisational development, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be named as the 11th best apprenticeship employer in the country.
“It is fantastic to be recognised for the opportunities we offer and is a testament to both the hard work of those working behind the scenes that are responsible for driving the delivery of the training, and our apprentices’ commitment to the programmes.”
You Trust: Apprenticeships take ‘tenacity’
The You Trust, which works with people facing hardship to prevent social isolation, was ranked 50th in the league table.
The charity said it was “proud of everyone at You who undertakes an apprenticeship qualification, and of the colleagues and managers who support them.
“Apprenticeships offer a valuable way forward for people who want to develop their skills.
“To complete an apprenticeship requires real tenacity and a personal commitment to self-improvement, and this award is an indication that You is an organisation that allows these individuals to thrive.”
Peter Mucklow, director of apprenticeships at the Education and Skills Funding Agency, said: “During such a difficult year it is encouraging to see that apprenticeships continue to be critical to business performance and success.”
He added: “I look forward to seeing how Hft, and all other top 100 employers, use their status to showcase the many benefits of apprenticeships, whilst encouraging other employers to consider recruiting an apprentice.”
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